Time To Celebrate The Success Of Solar In UK
"Today's announcement from DECC will be a big challenge to the UK solar industry and in the short term very problematic for a number of companies but I really hope that the sector can avoid the hysteria and self-damaging doom mongering that we saw in 2011.We need to focus on the fact that this review is a response to much faster and more successful clean energy deployment than anyone expected; exceptional growth that has made the UK the fastest growing solar market in Europe. Amber Rudd has proved herself to be a real believer in solar and a genuine friend to the industry but that doesn't mean we can duck the simple truth that the budget for renewables, thanks to massively successful deployment, has now all but gone, way ahead of time. So now, the industry needs to work closely with DECC in a genuine spirit of cooperation and financial realism to target and stretch the remaining budget in the current LCF, in the most cost effective way possible.
Around the world, the solar industry is already operating without subsidy and there are still further opportunities to create additional value and extract further efficiency savings in the UK sector. Innovation and enhancing the customer offer are going to be key to growth and success, as the path to zero subsidy grows even shorter.
It is time to muster up an optimistic "can do" ethic and talk up the huge success and enormous potential of UK solar not plead for years more subsidy. The government needs to listen very carefully to the most progressive voices in the sector and to focus the remaining budget in the right place but also work with the industry to help solar entrepreneurs create value with new and enhanced business models and by unblocking other barriers to growth. I am confident that working sensibly together, Amber can steer the sector through to the bright future it deserves."
Rt Hon Gregory Barker
SOURCE BPVA
